West Hollywood expected to ban dog, cat sales

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. 
West Hollywood is expected to ban the sale of cats and dogs at pet shops under a measure designed to strike a blow at so-called puppy mills.

The City Council will take a final vote on the ordinance Tuesday after giving it a preliminary approval earlier this month. It would take effect next month and give existing pet stores until September to stop sales.

City officials say the idea is to reduce demand that can lead to inhumane conditions by breeders at puppy mills and kitten factories.

The law exempts home breeders, animal rescue groups and shelters.

The ordinance says 35,000 dogs and 67,000 cats were euthanized in city and county shelters in Los Angeles in the past year.